Group 17
MARKET STREET REFRESH

The Droylsden MSA Live project is dedicated to revitalising the heart of the town by enhancing public health, promoting social interaction, and improving local connectivity through the transformation of a dull, underused car park into a vibrant community green space. Currently, the site offers little more than concrete and scattered parking spaces, with limited opportunities for residents to connect or enjoy the outdoors. Our aim is to reimagine this space as a welcoming, multi-functional environment that supports wellbeing, encourages interaction, and contributes positively to the local urban fabric. Drawing on on-site observations and feedback from local people, we will explore a series of design iterations that directly reflect community needs. By integrating accessible pathways, seating areas, and diverse planting schemes, the final design proposal will support a healthier, more connected Droylsden. During Action Week, we will produce concept layouts, 3D models, sketches, and visualisations that bring this transformation to life and showcase the power of small-scale, high-impact design.

Clara Evangeline Dorathy ARD / Hanyi Z / Nikhil N / Rebecca S / Toby H / Yakeen A

Toby H
The Droylsden MSA Live project revitalises Droylsden, a town east of Manchester, by enhancing public health, community engagement, and urban greening. A key initiative is the development of a community garden to strengthen local connections and improve accessibility.

To further support connectivity, the project emphasises pedestrian-friendly infrastructure and improved wayfinding to increase footfall in the town centre and boost local businesses.

During Action Week, potential outputs will include mapping, 3D modelling, renderings, and alternative layout options for the community garden. Ultimately, the project aspires to create a healthier, more sustainable, and community-driven urban environment for Droylsden.
Posted 9 Mar 2025 18:58
Rebecca S
We are collaborating with Tameside Council, the governing body of the Metropolitan Borough of Tameside in Greater Manchester. As the primary provider of local government services in the borough, the council plays a vital role in supporting the community. Together, our goal is to create a space that benefits and serves the local community.
Posted 9 Mar 2025 19:06
Toby H
After our initial meeting with our collaborators, we visited the site in the heart of Droylsden. Lena, Carol, and Nigel from Tameside Council guided us through the area, offering valuable insights into the site's history, current state, and development potential. 
Posted 9 Mar 2025 19:09
Toby H
Name: Toby Harris
Course: MArch 1
Atelier: Infrastructure Space

Hi, I am Toby. I grew up in Chicago and completed my bachelor's degree in the US. I have previous work experience in London at Allford Hall Monaghan Morris and Sheppard Robson. I'm excited to wrap up my first year of my master's by participating in MSA Live! I've really enjoyed all the courses at MSA so far and have learned so much already. I can't wait to team up during Action Week to create a meaningful proposal for Droylsden and the Tameside Council. It's going to be an excellent opportunity to make a difference!
Posted 9 Mar 2025 19:14
Clara Evangeline Dorathy ARD
Name: Clara Evangeline Dorathy Amritharaj Rowland Devanand
Course: M.Arch 1
Atelier: Some Kind Of Nature

Introduction: Hello, I am Clara. I was born and brought up in Tamil Nadu, Southern part of India. I have graduated with a bachelor’s degree in architecture from Anna university, Chennai, India. After graduation I got to work in Chennai for 6 months as Junior Architect and then moved to the UK for my master’s program. I was always interested in working on community-based projects and I am more than happy and privileged to work with my colleagues of MSA to help the Tameside Council in creating a healthy and happy community.
Posted 9 Mar 2025 19:30
Hanyi Z
Name: Hanyi Zhang
Course: Architecture and Adaptive Reuse
Introduction:Hi, I am Zhang Hanyi from China, a graduate of Tongji Zhejiang College with a bachelor's degree in architecture. After finishing my undergraduate studies, I chose to pursue a master's degree in Architecture and Adaptive Reuse to better understand the differences and connections between architectural design, and historic preservation in China and other countries. I am dedicated to respecting the value of existing buildings while introducing flexible design strategies to give them new life.I am happy to collaborate with Tameside Council and look forward to working together during Action Week to bring new energy to the area.
Posted 9 Mar 2025 19:37
Rebecca S
Name: Rebecca Scott
Course: MArch 1
Atelier: Continuity

Hi, I’m Rebecca, and I’m from London. After completing my undergraduate studies in architecture, I worked as an architectural designer at a small London-based practice, working on a range of residential projects, from initial concept development to securing planning approval.

I am currently pursuing a Master of Architecture degree at MSA as part of the Continuity Atelier, which emphasises a thoughtful and sensitive approach to contextual history and heritage in design.

I’m excited to be part of this project in Droylsden and to collaborate with Tameside Council in making a meaningful, positive impact on the community - while working alongside the team to bring our creative vision to life!
Posted 9 Mar 2025 21:12
Yakeen A

Name: Yakeen Mohammed Ali Ahmed
Course: Architecture and Adaptive Reuse
Introduction: Hi, I’m Yakeen from Manchester. I hold an undergraduate degree in Interior Design from Manchester Metropolitan University and am currently pursuing a master’s in Architecture and Adaptive Reuse. I have a strong interest in historical and cultural spaces, exploring how they can be preserved, adapted, and reimagined for contemporary use while creating a dialogue between past and present. I’m excited to collaborate with Tameside Council in Droylsden to create a meaningful impact, focusing on designing solutions that benefit the community and contribute to long-term positive change.
Posted 10 Mar 2025 19:14
Nikhil N
Name: Nikhil Nagar
Course: MArch 1
Atelier: Non-Standard Habitats (NSH)
Introduction: Hi, I’m Nikhil from India. After completing my bachelor's degree in architecture from Manchester School of Architecture (MSA), I worked as an architectural assistant in Delhi, India. They helped me gain experience in high-rise developments and on-site executions of the work. Personally, I have worked on two or three more projects, which required refurbishment. I am currently pursuing a master's degree in architecture to develop a more profound understanding of design ethics and implications.

I’m overwhelmed to collaborate with Tameside Council in Droylsden and looking forward to working with MSA colleagues to design a better and healthier community with an optimistic future.
Posted 10 Mar 2025 20:36
Rebecca S
After our final tutorial, excitement is building as Action Week approaches! We can't wait to meet the rest of the team and kick off the design process. With ideas ready and energy high, we're eager to start this exciting project for Droylsden. Stay tuned for updates as we begin our design journey!
Posted 31 Mar 2025 23:10
Rebecca S
Action Plan Week 1
Posted 6 May 2025 19:48
Rebecca S
Action Plan Week 2
Posted 6 May 2025 19:50
Nikhil N
On Day 1, we commenced with a brief introduction of the site to the team members. We decided to split ourselves into six groups to analyse it from various perspectives, like physical, visual, and network teams.

After a few discussions and initial ideas, we as a team conducted an activity to sketch down the plans or concepts, such as what comes to mind by looking at the site and how you would design it as a green public space. One of the initial ideas involved relocating from the old car park to a well-maintained community garden that would include preservation zones, walkways, and skating rinks to attract locals.

Posted 13 May 2025 16:55
Clara Evangeline Dorathy ARD
We started of our day 2 by visiting the site on a sunny morning with our entire group. We split up into two groups, one group focused on conducting interviews with the local community people of Droylsden and the other group did an analysis to understand the on and off-site features.

It was amazing to see everything in action, the networks, physical infrastructure and social characters of the site and our gratitude to the local people who volunteered to take part in our interviews. We are already excited to start working on the project and hoping to bring life back to the public carpark at the Market Street.
Posted 13 May 2025 20:03
Hanyi Z
On Day 3, we reviewed and analysed the results of the previous day’s site visit and community interviews. We carefully discussed the feedback from local residents and combined it with the site and social observations made by the analysis team. As a result, we identified several key needs: to improve the safety and accessibility of the area, to protect key green spaces, and to create opportunities for community interaction. Based on these insights, we developed the design concept for the project. Our proposal focuses on transforming the underused car park into a multifunctional public space, including landscaped gardens, pedestrian-friendly pathways, seating areas, and community activity zones with interactive installations. The concept aims to reconnect the site with the daily life of the Droylsden community and enhance its role as a welcoming and inclusive urban space.
Posted 14 May 2025 19:12
Yakeen A
Day 4!!
Productive day working on concepts — the team made great progress refining ideas and translating them into thoughtful spatial strategies. We spent the day developing site plans, testing different layouts, and thinking through the details of our designs. Lots of discussion, collaboration, and helpful feedback shared around the table. Exciting to see everyone’s concepts taking shape and evolving with each session!
Posted 15 May 2025 16:24
Toby H
Day 5

We gathered our concepts as a group and collaboratively identified each proposal's strongest ideas and features. Through discussion and sketch development, we refined these into a unified site concept that integrates the best elements of our initial designs.

Our primary goal was to strengthen connectivity throughout the site regarding physical access and the community functions it supports. The updated layout introduces a central community garden as a focal point, with curved pathways encouraging movement and exploration. These pathways connect key features such as the pond, seating zones, and designated cycling storage, ensuring inclusive navigation.

We also considered how the site could support year-round engagement with flexible green spaces and gathering areas that adapt to changing uses.

This iteration reflects our commitment to community-centred design, prioritising wellbeing, activity, and accessibility.

We have started to create a 3D model of the site and will begin to develop drawings and visuals for the client!
Posted 16 May 2025 16:24
Rebecca S
Day 6!

Today we conducted targeted software tutorials for the undergraduate cohort, giving them new insights into tools that enhance design presentation. Then, building on last week’s progress, the team reviewed the project and concentrated on refining the site plan. By the end of the day, we had reached consensus on a final layout, positioning the studio to focus on detailed design development in tomorrow’s session.
Posted 19 May 2025 21:48
Nikhil N
Day 7

The day was intense but productive, as it was dedicated to finalising our concepts into a comprehensive masterplan and beginning the detailed design development phase. After several iterations and contributions from the team, we successfully settled on the layout.

Some of us shifted focus to the architectural elements within the proposal—such as benches and bike stands—exploring their construction, level of detail, and overall form. After a few sketches and collaborative discussions, we chose designs that aligned well with the overall scheme. Meanwhile, others began assembling the final presentation file by compiling all relevant materials.

By the end of the day, our 3D model and renderings—developed using SketchUp, Lumion, and Photoshop—were nearly complete for key areas in the plan and ready to be integrated into the presentation. Overall, the team performed exceptionally well today!
Posted 20 May 2025 19:23
Yakeen A
Day 8!!
With our client presentation scheduled for tomorrow, today was dedicated to tying everything together. The team focused on finalising our design work, refining visuals, and ensuring that each element of our proposal communicates the concept clearly and cohesively. From detailed render edits to layout refinements, we’ve worked hard to present a polished and well-resolved outcome that reflects the effort we’ve put in over the past days.

Although heading to the B15 workshop wasn’t originally part of our action plan, we made a spontaneous decision to build some physical models. We felt this would add an extra layer of clarity and impact to our presentation. It’s been a busy day, and we’re looking forward to sharing our work and gathering feedback tomorrow!
Posted 21 May 2025 18:07
Clara Evangeline Dorathy ARD
Day 9
Today was a much anticipated day for our entire group and the clients. We were very excited to present our ideas, and we started off the day by meeting our lovely clients online. We took turns to deliver the presentation speaking about the historical aspect , the present character and our future design objectives, concepts and the outputs on how to bring the life back to Droylsden. Our focus was to reimagine the current carpark into a place where the local residents and the nearby community can pull in by creating an active environment. The clients were satisfied with the overall master planning, and we also had a feedback session at the end which was helpful. We are grateful to our wonderful clients from Tameside Council for their valuable feedback, engagement and involvement.

To celebrate the presentation, we had to get ourselves a treat. We had a group lunch and some talks. Later on, some people worked on making a physical model of a community garden as an expression of our idea and rest concentrated on working on the final publication InDesign files.
Posted 22 May 2025 19:54